Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.), Landscape Ecology of Episodic Cheatgrass Die-off in the Great Basin
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, NV. Preferred Start Date: January or June 2017 The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada Reno has available a graduate research assistantship position to study spatiotemporal patterns of regeneration failure for the invasive annual grass, Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass). At least two years of funding are available. The student will be housed within the Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Peter Weisberg. Die-offs of extensive cheatgrass monocultures provide an opportunity for restoration of native species and ecological function within the imperiled sagebrush ecosystem. Proximate causes of widespread cheatgrass die-off are uncertain, although several taxa of fungal soil pathogens have been implicated. Using satellite remote sensing, we have developed a methodology to map changing patterns of die-off over time, and applied this to a study area in northern Nevada. Our new project will extend and improve upon existing methods for an additional study area in Utah, with the goals of (1) assessing inferential support for hypothesized cheatgrass die-off mechanisms; (2) predictive modeling of die-off in response to climate variability and landscape heterogeneity; and (3) developing remote sensing indicators to support landscape restoration of cheatgrass-invaded rangelands of the western US. Desired Qualifications: * Intellectually curious, academically capable and scientifically motivated * Strong interests in landscape ecology, remote sensing/GIS, landscape pathology, spatial vegetation ecology * Experience or coursework in remote sensing, GIS applications or geospatial analysis * Minimum academic requirements: GPA of 3.4, combined GRE score of 310 * B.S. degree in a relevant field of study (Natural Resources, Geography, Biology, Ecology, Rangeland Science/Management, etc.) The assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $22,200/year ($1850 per month for a 12-month contract), tuition support, a waiver of non-resident tuition fees, and includes health insurance benefits. Additional information on graduate study at the University of Nevada - Reno can be found at: http://www.unr.edu/grad. Additional information on the Natural Resources and Environmental Science Department, including its graduate programs, can be found at https://www.unr.edu/nres. The student will be housed within the Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab, http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg/index.htm. Please contact Dr. Weisberg (pweisb...@cabnr.unr.edu) with any questions about the position. To Apply: Your application should include a cover letter describing background, research interests and career goals, a resume or CV, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references. These materials should be sent to Dr. Peter Weisberg at pweisb...@cabnr.unr.edu. Applications received by October 1, 2016 will receive full consideration. Selected candidates will then be encouraged to submit a formal application to the Graduate School. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences has over 400 undergraduates, 60 graduate students, 19 full-time faculty and an annual average of $3 million in awards from state, regional and national funding competitions. Reno is located on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe and was recently rated one of the best small cities in the US for outdoor recreation and overall quality of life. The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action in recruitment of its students and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, and sexual orientation. Peter J. Weisberg Professor Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno pweisb...@cabnr.unr.edu http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg/index.htm
